How to Get an EIN in Louisiana

How to Get an EIN in Louisiana

How to Get an EIN in Louisiana

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business's federal tax ID. If you're starting a business in Louisiana, you'll likely need one, whether you're forming an LLC, corporation, or operating as a partnership. The good news: the process is straightforward, and in many cases, you can get one immediately.

What Is an EIN and Why You Need One in Louisiana

An EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business for federal tax purposes. Think of it as your business's Social Security number. The format is 12-XX-XXXX.

In Louisiana, you'll need an EIN if:

  • You're forming an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other business structure
  • You plan to hire employees
  • You'll operate as a sole proprietorship but want to keep personal and business finances separate
  • Your business generates significant income (generally $400 or more annually from self-employment)
  • You want to open a business bank account in your business name
  • You're applying for certain business licenses or permits

The IRS does not charge a fee to get an EIN. If you see a website or service promising to "get your EIN for $99," they're charging for application assistance, not for the number itself.

What You'll Need Before Applying

Gather these items before you apply for your Louisiana EIN:

  • Your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): The person applying on behalf of the business must provide this.
  • Articles of Organization or Incorporation: If you've already filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State, have a copy. If not, you may apply for an EIN before filing (you can provide an expected formation date).
  • Business Structure Details: Know whether you're operating as a sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, or other entity.
  • Principal Business Address: This is your Louisiana business location, not a home address (though the IRS may accept a home office).
  • Responsible Party Information: Name, title, and SSN of the person with primary authority over the business.
  • Business Purpose: A brief description of what your business does.
  • Expected Start Date: When you plan to start operations.
  • Projected First Payroll Date (if hiring): When you expect to pay your first employee.

You do not need your Louisiana Secretary of State filing confirmation number to apply for an EIN, though having it can speed things up.

Three Ways to Get Your Louisiana EIN

Method 1: Apply Online (Fastest, Recommended)

The fastest way to get an EIN is through the IRS's online application at https://www.irs.gov/ein. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately upon approval, usually within a few minutes.

Steps:

  1. Go to the IRS EIN Assistant (EINE) at https://www.irs.gov/ein.
  2. Click "Apply for an EIN Online."
  3. Confirm you're the "responsible party" (the person with primary authority over the business).
  4. Enter your nine-digit Social Security Number or ITIN.
  5. Provide your legal business name (exactly as it appears on your Louisiana Secretary of State filing, or your DBA if operating as a sole proprietorship).
  6. Select your business structure. If you've formed an LLC in Louisiana, select "Limited Liability Company." If not yet filed, select "Sole Proprietorship" (you can convert later).
  7. Enter your principal business address in Louisiana. This must be a street address; a PO box alone will not work.
  8. Enter your business activity code. The IRS provides a lookup; for example, "Essential Oil Production" is 325131.
  9. Specify the number of employees you expect to have within 12 months (including yourself if applicable).
  10. Indicate the first month of your business's tax year. Most Louisiana businesses use the calendar year (January to December).
  11. Confirm you've provided accurate information and review the privacy statement.
  12. Submit your application. If you're approved, the IRS displays your EIN on screen and sends confirmation via email.

Print and save the confirmation page or email. You'll need it when opening a business bank account or filing taxes.

Method 2: Apply by Phone

If you prefer to speak with an IRS representative, call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (866) 816-2065. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Have your information ready and expect the call to take 10 to 20 minutes. You'll receive your EIN on the call and should request confirmation by mail.

Method 3: Apply by Mail or Fax

Complete Form SS-4 (Application for an Employer Identification Number) and submit it by mail or fax to the IRS. Download the form at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf. Include the printed completion instructions; fax or mail to the address on the form.

Processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks by mail or 1 to 2 weeks by fax. This method is slower than online or phone, so choose it only if you're unable to use the other options.

Step-by-Step: The Online Application Process (Most Common)

Here's a detailed walkthrough of applying online, which is what most Louisiana business owners choose:

  1. Visit the IRS EIN page. Go to https://www.irs.gov/ein and click the button to apply online. You'll be redirected to the IRS EINE system.
  2. Confirm your role. Select that you are the "Responsible Party" of the business. If someone else is applying on the business's behalf, they'll need your permission and your SSN.
  3. Enter your SSN or ITIN. This identifies you as the person with authority over the business.
  4. Provide the business legal name. Use the exact name from your Louisiana Secretary of State filing if you've already incorporated or formed an LLC. For sole proprietorships, use your personal name or your DBA name if filed.
  5. Select your business structure. The dropdown menu includes: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, S-Corp, C-Corp, LLC, Trust, Estate, Non-profit, and others. Select the one that matches your Louisiana filing.
  6. Enter your principal business address. This is your Louisiana location. The address cannot be a PO box alone, though you may include a suite or unit number. Rural route addresses are acceptable.
  7. Confirm your mailing address. This can differ from your principal address if you prefer correspondence sent elsewhere.
  8. Provide your business activity code. Use the IRS lookup tool or describe your business in plain language (e.g., "law office," "restaurant," "consulting").
  9. Enter employment information. Indicate whether you currently have employees and how many you expect within 12 months.
  10. Specify your tax year. Most Louisiana businesses use the calendar year; some use a fiscal year (e.g., July to June). If unsure, select calendar year.
  11. Provide your first payroll date. This applies only if you're planning to hire employees. Enter the date you expect to pay your first employee, or leave blank if you're not hiring.
  12. Review and confirm. The system shows a summary. Check all information for accuracy, including your Louisiana address spelling and your SSN.
  13. Submit the application. Click submit. If there are no errors, the IRS approval is instant, and your EIN appears on screen.
  14. Print and save your confirmation. The page displays your nine-digit EIN, business name, and address as the IRS has recorded them. Save or print this page; you'll need it immediately.

After You Receive Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, take these next steps:

  • Open a business bank account. Most Louisiana banks require your EIN and an IRS confirmation letter. Call the IRS at (866) 816-2065 to request a confirmation letter be mailed to you, or download one from the IRS website if you applied online.
  • Register for Louisiana state taxes. Visit the Louisiana Department of Revenue at https://revenue.louisiana.gov/businesses/general-resources/business-registration/ to apply for sales tax, income tax withholding, or other state permits. You'll need your EIN.
  • Register with your parish or local municipality. Some Louisiana parishes and cities require occupational licenses or business permits. Check your local government's website or call your parish clerk of court.
  • Apply for industry-specific licenses. Certain businesses (e.g., liquor stores, salons, food service) need additional state or local licensing. Use the Louisiana Secretary of State's geauxBIZ tool at https://geauxbiz.sos.la.gov/ for a customized checklist.
  • Keep your EIN assignment letter. The IRS will mail a formal letter confirming your EIN. Store it in a safe place along with your business records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong business name: If you've filed an LLC or corporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State, use that exact legal name on your EIN application. Mismatches complicate tax filing and banking later.

Providing a PO box as your only address: The IRS requires a physical street address for your principal business location. A PO box can be your mailing address, but not your principal address.

Forgetting you need one before opening a business account: Most banks will not open a business account without an EIN (or an SSN for sole proprietorships). Get your EIN before scheduling a bank appointment.

Assuming an EIN means you're incorporated: An EIN is a federal tax ID. It does not register your business with the state, and it does not provide liability protection. You still need to file Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation with the Louisiana Secretary of State separately.

Delaying Louisiana tax registration: Even after you get your federal EIN, you must register for Louisiana state taxes. If you expect to make sales, visit the Department of Revenue to apply for a sales tax permit. Failure to register can result in penalties.

Providing inaccurate information: Double-check your Louisiana business address, business name spelling, and responsible party details. Errors can delay other applications (bank accounts, licenses, etc.).

Timeline Expectations

Online application: Instant to a few minutes. You have your EIN before you leave your desk.

Phone application: You receive your EIN during the call.

Fax or mail application: 1 to 4 weeks, depending on IRS processing volume.

If you plan to open a business bank account soon, apply online or by phone. The formal confirmation letter arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks, but most Louisiana banks will accept your online confirmation printout or the verbal confirmation number in the interim.

Do You Need Professional Help?

Most Louisiana business owners handle EIN applications themselves, as the process is straightforward and free. However, consult a Louisiana tax professional or attorney if:

  • You're uncertain about your business structure (sole proprietorship vs. LLC vs. corporation)
  • Your business has complex ownership or multiple owners
  • You're applying on behalf of a trust, estate, or non-profit
  • You expect to be subject to complex tax situations (e.g., multiple locations, partnership agreements)

The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at https://louisianasbdc.org/ also offers free business advisory services and can walk you through the EIN process.

Key Takeaways

Getting an EIN in Louisiana is free, quick, and essential for almost every business. Apply online for the fastest results, have your business details and SSN ready, and plan to open your business bank account and register for Louisiana state taxes immediately afterward. Do not delay state tax registration, as Louisiana law requires businesses to register for sales tax and income tax withholding if applicable.

Disclaimer: This article is informational and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Consult a qualified Louisiana attorney or certified public accountant for guidance specific to your business situation.